05 Amazing Local Airlines to Travel in Maldives!

01. Villa Air

Villa Air, an airline which is operated under Villa Group is a great option to connect to the beautiful islands and resorts in the Maldives. Villa Air currently flies to three main airports including Villa International Airport in Maamigili, Dharavandhoo Airport and Velana International Airport.

Recently Villa Air also updated their livery to showcase the stunning lagoons, majestic whale sharks, blues of the Maldivian ocean, greens of the beautiful palm trees as well as white to represent the white sandy beaches to capture the true Maldivian essence.

02. Trans Maldivian Airways

Trans Maldivian, also known as TMA is the world’s largest seaplane operator, connecting travellers to beautiful resorts in the Maldives. Starting as Hummingbird Island Helicopters, Trans Maldivian has since then grown rapidly, becoming one of the first choices for travellers looking to get a unique experience in their resorts.

For many, seaplanes are included in the bucket list for things to do in Maldives, and TMA fulfils these wishes by taking the scenic route to the next destination for travellers.

Also Read: Velana International Airport Sets New Air Traffic Record!

03. Maldivian Airlines

If your Maldives itinerary includes several local islands to explore, Maldivian Airlines will connect you to different islands as well as India and Bangladesh. Offering both seaplane and wheelbase flights, Maldivian is the national carrier offering daily flights to 16 different airports within the country.

Maldivian also had a recent update in their livery, showcasing dolphins to showcase the marine life and hues of blue to represent the blue sky and the ocean at different depths.

04. BeOnd

BeOnd Airlines, which started operating in 2023 is ready to take travellers to Maldives in style and luxury. This all-premium class aircraft provides travellers with lie-flat seats, private chauffeuring, and airport lounge access as well as an elegant dining experience on your trip to the Maldives.

Currently, BeOnd connects travellers to the Maldives from Dubai, Milan, Munich, Riyadh and Zurich, and the airline is ready to provide the perfect 2024 summer escape with updated flight schedules!

05. Manta Air

Manta Air is another domestic airline that provides both seaplanes and wheelbase flights, connecting travellers to local islands as well as resorts in the Maldives. Soaring to new heights, Manta Air has also started providing flights to India in 2024, providing direct flights from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to the Maldives’ Dhaalu Airport.

The airline connects travellers to more than thirty hotel destinations across six regional Atolls and three key airports in the Maldives.

While these are some of the top 05 airlines in the Maldives, that will connect you to your dream vacation, travellers also choose to fly with Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Fly Dubai and Emirates to get the easiest connection from different countries.

The travel and tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation, and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai is set to play a central role. For years, ATM has served as a vital meeting point for global industry leaders, innovators, and professionals. In 2025, however, the event’s importance has grown, not just due to its strategic location and global reach, but also because of an emerging shift in how countries, including the Maldives, are prioritizing international tourism fairs. Traditionally aligned with major European tourism events like ITB Berlin, the Maldives has now designated ATM as its most important international tourism fair, marking a decisive pivot in the country’s global tourism strategy.

ATM 2025: A Landmark Event for the Travel Industry

Set to take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM will be more than just a gathering; it’s expected to be an industry milestone. With over 46,000 tourism professionals attending from more than 160 countries, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the travel and tourism industry. As the world moves toward post-pandemic recovery, the event will highlight how the industry can develop through enhanced connectivity and forward-thinking technology.

The overarching theme of ATM 2025, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” reflects the rapid shifts in global travel patterns. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) shaping travel experiences to sustainability coming to the forefront, ATM 2025 will not only spotlight emerging trends but also offer a platform for businesses, governments, and stakeholders to forge new partnerships and explore new opportunities.

One of the key innovations at ATM 2025 will be the incorporation of cutting-edge AI technologies. As the travel industry becomes more tech-driven, the event will explore how AI streamlines operations, personalizes customer experiences, and aids in sustainable destination management. AI will take center stage at ATM 2025, with prominent speakers, including Cassie Kozyrkov, the former Chief Decision Scientist at Google, offering insights into how businesses can strategically adopt AI to drive growth.

Why ATM? Maldives Shifts Its Focus

For many years, the Maldives has maintained a strong presence at global tourism fairs, with ITB Berlin serving as a traditional cornerstone. However, in 2025, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) made a notable decision: the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will now take precedence over ITB Berlin as the country’s primary tourism event. This strategic shift forms part of a broader recalibration of how the Maldives engages with the global tourism industry.

One of the driving factors behind this pivot is accessibility. The Maldives, like many other destinations, faced logistical challenges with European trade shows such as ITB Berlin. Visa difficulties and geographical constraints hindered the participation of Maldivian industry professionals, limiting their ability to engage with international stakeholders. Dubai, however, with its easy access to the wider Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets, presents a much more viable platform for global engagement.

MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree affirmed that consultations with industry stakeholders, including resort operators and tourism associations, guided the move to prioritize ATM. As a result, ATM now offers the Maldives the visibility and accessibility it needs to promote its thriving tourism sector to an increasingly diverse international audience.

At ATM 2025, the Maldives delegation will present a strong presence, with over 230 representatives, including 111 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of resorts, guesthouses, and luxury services. In addition to promoting the country’s stunning natural beauty, MMPRC will also curate a cultural experience to replace the Maldives’ traditional “Maldivian Night” event, once held at ITB Berlin. This new showcase will offer international audiences a taste of Maldivian cuisine, music, and arts, highlighting the country’s unique cultural identity.

ATM: A Gateway for Regional Tourism Growth

The growing importance of ATM is not limited to the Maldives. The event has become a central hub for countries across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond to showcase their tourism offerings. In 2025, exhibitors from Asia will increase notably, with countries like India and China significantly expanding their participation. This highlights the region’s increasing influence in the global tourism market, particularly as Asia emerges as the fastest-growing region for tourism recovery.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, will spotlight its ambitious Vision 2030 at ATM 2025, with major tourism projects like the Red Sea Coast and NEOM taking center stage. Similarly, the UAE, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries will showcase their advancements in tourism infrastructure and evolving cultural tourism offerings.

The Middle East’s tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience post-pandemic, with the region recording a 32% increase in international arrivals over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. This robust recovery is expected to continue, with ATM 2025 providing an invaluable platform for international buyers and stakeholders to tap into this growing market.

A New Era for Tourism in the Maldives and Beyond

For the Maldives, ATM 2025 represents more than just a change in venue; it signals the country’s readiness to adapt to global tourism dynamics and the growing influence of the Middle East as a tourism hub. By focusing on Dubai and the Arabian Travel Market, the Maldives positions itself as a key player in a rapidly changing global tourism landscape, one that increasingly demands accessibility, connectivity, and cultural engagement.

Beyond the Maldives, ATM 2025 will likely become a game-changer for the global tourism industry. The event will highlight the importance of sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange as key drivers of growth. It will also offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the global travel market, from the impacts of AI to the need for sustainable tourism practices.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, ATM 2025 will serve as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. For countries like the Maldives, it represents the perfect opportunity to showcase not just their natural beauty but also their evolving tourism models that embrace cultural heritage, sustainability, and technological advancements.